Exerciser for pedal or manual extremities



May 30, 1933. M. J. PULLMAN 1,911,390

'EXERCISER FOR PEDAL QR MANUAL JEXTREMITIES Filed June 27, 1932 6 Sheets-Sheet l M. J. PULLMAN 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 27, 1932 ff/02mg EXERC I SER FOR PEDAL 0R MANUAL EXTREHI T I E S May 30, 1933.

May 30, 1933. M. J. PULLMAN EXERGISER FOR PEDAL OR MANUAL EXTREMITIES FiLed June 27, 1952 e Sheets-Sheet llzzmw May 30, 1933. M. .1. PULLMAN I 1,911,390

EXERCISER FOR PEDAL OR MANUAL, EXTREMITIES Filed June 27, 19 32 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 May 30, 1933.

M. J. PULLMAN v EXERCISER FOR PEDAL OR MANUAL-EXTREMITIES Filed June 27, 1952 5 Shqets-Sheet 5 May 30, 1933. I M. J; 'PULLMAN 1,911,390 EXERCI'SER FdR PEDAL OIRMANUAL EXTREMI-TIES Filed June 27, 1932 s Sheets-Sheet 6 Patented May 30, 1933 PATENT OFFICE MAI TRICE'J'. PULLMAN, 01 LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA I EXERCISER FOB PEDAL R MANUAL EXTREMITIES Application filed June 27,

This invention relates to a device for treating the lower extremities or the upper extremities, and especially by the aid of forces for producing the desired corrective move- 5 ments for the arches, toes, and fingers. angles and associated parts.

The foot especially is subject to numerous abnormalities, probably due to the highly artificial mode of covering the feet and of using them in the performance of the various tasks imposed thereon.

To mention only some of the more common ailments, my device is intended to treat the toes of the foot to correct bunions, hammer toe, Mortons toe, overlapping toes, contracted toe, and toes that have lost the power of movement. The device can also be used to build up the main arches as well as the metatarsal arches. Aifections of the ankle, such as weakness, enlargement, puiiiness due to strain, are also benefited and cured. I

The muscular and similar ailments. such as shortened tendons (Achilles tendon), ad-

hesions, arthritis, drop-foot, and all forms of club foot, may also be included in this short list, which is not intended to be exhaustive.

The present device isintended to correct the defects of the lower extremities especially, so that the individual corrective treatments all cooperate to restore complete normal functioning, to the extremity as a whole; and particularly as distinguished from specialized isolated treatments, having no particular function to perform a complete restoration. These corrective measures rendered easy by this device, are analogous or .similar to 'the usual measures utilized by doctors in their own offices. Although the device is simple and light in weight, it embodies the corrective. features capable of correcting every known abnormality to which the lower extremities are subject.

In general, such appliances as arch supports can be soon discarded. The use of the device, furthermore, serves as a general tonic for the extremities.

It-is, therefore, an object of this invention to provide a device capable of efliciently performing any of the above mentioned functions and others, for either the foot or the 1932. Serial No. 619,457.

hand; and especially by making the use of the device attractive and generally pleasing to either grown-ups or children.

Although the device can be operated by manual power, it is possible to utilize extraneous sources of power, such as electricity.

-By so "constructing the device that no external power source is needed, it can be constructed inexpensively so as. to fill a real demand for home treatment as well as under a physicians supervision. The device is light and readily portable.

It is another object of the invention to provide a device of this character that can readily be adjusted to conform to the particular extremity being treated.

It is another object of 'my invention to make it possible to use the device for the hand, as for stretching the fingers for musicians, and in general for any ailments similar to those encountered in foot conditions.

My invention possesses many other advantages,:and has other objects Wh1ch may be made more easily apparent from a consideration of several embodiments of my invention. For this purpose I have shown a few forms in the drawings accompanying and forming a part of the present specification. 1 shall now proceed to describe these forms in detail, which illustrate the general principles of my invention; but it is to be under-- stood that this detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, since the scope of my invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus embodying the invention, as seen when viewed from above;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the same apparatus, but taken from the side;

Fig 3 is a detail section taken near the rear end of the apparatus through one of the arch lifters;

' Fig. 4 is a side elevation of one form of toe or finger stretcher which may be used in connection with the apparatus;

Fig. 5 is a detail perspective view of a modified form of the apparatus;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a further modified form of toe or finger stretcher;

Fig. 7 is a perspective view of the apparatus showing the toe stretchers in use;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a bunion straightener in use;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of the apparatus, showing an arch lifter in use;

. Fig. 10 is a perspective view of the apparatus taken from the rear, with one of the main arch lifters in use;

Fig. 11 is a perspective View of the apparatus showing the metatarsal knob in use;

Fig. 12 is a perspective View showing the mode of use of the apparatus when used for tendon stretching; and

Fig 13 is a perspective view of another modification of the invention.

The structure of the preferred embodiment of the invention is shown most clearly in Figs. 1, 2, 3 and 4. There is provided a rest or platform 11,, preferably made from wood or other material which is not displeasing to the touch. It is upon this platform or rest that the foot orhand is adapted to be placed. The front end of the platform has a convex edge 12 over which the toes or fingers can extend when the apparatus is in use, as illustrated for example in Figs. 7, 8 and 11. One or more toe or finger stretchers, such as 13, are arranged to engage those toes or fingers which are to be moved in a direction transverse to the toes for a stretching operation. In the form shown in Figs. 1 to 4, each of these stretchers has a metal main body portion, the extremity of which is formed into a hook 14 (Fig. 4), overlaid with a cushioning means, such as a tubular soft rubber material 15. The metal portion is made from readily conformable material, such as a soft alloy, which can be bent to engage toes of various sizes, as desired by the user. This adjustment of the size of the hook is illustrated by the dotted line position of Fig. 4.

Each of the toe stretchers 13 is provided with a series of apertures 16, by the aid of which it may be adjustably anchored on either of the two anchor bars 17-18. Each of these anchor bars is'movable relatively to the rest 11, the force for moving these anchor bars being secured in a manner to be hereinafter described. In the present instance each anchor bar is pivoted near one of its extremities, as by screws or pins 19 or 20. Furthermore, each anchor bar is adjacent the edge of the rest 11. Any one of the apertures 16 in stretcher 13 can be passed over any one of a number of studs or screws 21 extending above the anchor bars 17 and 18. In this way it is possible readily to adjust the effective length of each of the stretchers 13, as well as their position with respect to the foot or hand.

It is also apparent that, by rotating the anchor bars outwardly with respect to the with which the hooks may be in engagement.

Although it is possible to utilize any well known source of motion for actuating the anchor bars 17 and 18, preferably the device is so arranged that a pressure of the hand or foot on the rest 11 will supply this force, and so that the user can determine for himself, the degree of stretching by limiting the pressure on the rest 11. For this purpose, rest 11 is. movably supported with respect to a base 22. As shown most clearly-in Figs. 2 and 3, this rest is pivoted to the rear edge of base 22 as by hinges 23, fastened respectively tothe rear-edge of rest 11 and to a cross bar 24 extending across'the rear end of base 22. This pivotal connection provides a normal slanting position of rest 11, by the aid of one or more resilient members, tending to urge the rest 11 upwardly with respect to base 22. However, as the foot or hand is pressed downwardly on rest. 11 to depress this rest, anchor bars 17 and 18 are moved outwardly. This is accomplished by the aid of links 25 and 26. One end of each of the links is pivoted as on screw 27 or 28 on the front edge of base 22. The other end of each of the links is pivoted on screw or pin 29 or 30 held in an anchor plate 31 or 32. These anchor plates are fastened to the ends of the bars 17 and 18 and have an overlying turned in portion 33 beneath the bottom surface of rest 11.

It is apparent that as rest 11 is depressed, the bars 17 and 18 are rotated and apply the stretching force on stretchers 13. Usually four such stretchers are provided to engage four of the toes or fingers, the central toe or finger being unengaged.

The use of the apparatus for so stretching the toes is illustrated in Fig. 7. In this figure the links 25 and 26 .are shown respectively both in elevated and depressed positions, in conformity with the elevation and depression of platform 11.

The resilient force tending to separate rest 11 from base 22 can be provided by a pair of compression springs such as 34 (Figs. 2 and 3); These compression springs are disposed over guide or anchor posts such as 35 fastened to the upper side of base 22. The upper ends of the springs engage in-recesses 36 in wood blocks 37 and 38. These blocks aredisposed immediately above correspondmg apertures 39 and 40 in rest 11, and are pivoted as by hinggs 41 to the inner edge of the apertures. ,y the aid of stop bars 41 fastened to the lower surface of the blocks, Fig. 3) these blocks 37, 38 are prevented rom moving upwardly with respect to the rest 11, because these bars 41 engage the lower surface of rest 11 adjacent the edge of the aperture 39 or 40.

The blocks 37, 38 are formedin this insume a slightly toed-in position which is the most favorable position for exercising the arches.

In order that the feet may be retained on these arch lifters when they, are in use, without sliding ofi, various expedients can be used; such as heel supports or straps. In this case, however, the top surfaces can be provided with corrugations or indentations as shown in Fig. 1, to efiect this result.

Disposed on a center line between the lifters 37 and 38 is a knob 42. This extends through an aperture 43 in the rest 11, and placed forward of the lifters 37 and 38 and adjacent the front edge :12. As shown most clearly in Fig. 2, this knob 42 (which is used for exercising the metatarsal arch) is resiliently supported on the base 44. For this purpose, an anchor block 44 is provided, to which is fastened a stiff leaf spring 45. The free end of the leaf spring 45 accommodates a screw 46 on which the knob 42 is threaded. By turning knob 42 it is apparent that its height above rest 11 can be adjusted. A lock nut 47 is provided for rigidly fastening the screw 46 to the spring 45.

Forsome of the functions of the device it is advisable to keep rest 11. in a fixed position with respect to base 22. For this purpose there are provided a pair of hooks 48 pivoted res ectively on opposite sides of the base 22. T ese hooks are adapted to engage respectively the pins 49 fastened on a cross bar 50 extending across the bottom of the rest 11. The hooked position is illustrated in Fig. 1, and the unhooked position is illus trated in Fig. 2.

The manner of use of the device can now be set forth. In Fig. 7 the device is shown as applied for stretching the toes. For this purpose, the hooks 48 are out of engagement withthe pins 49. The foot is placed centrally between the blocks 37 and 38 on the rest 11, and in such position that the toes project slightly over the front edge 12. The stretchers 13 are then engaged with the respective toes and are anchored to the anchor bars 17, 18, so as to place the toes only slightly under a stretching force. Then by pressing. downward with the foot on the rest 11, the anchor bars 17 and 18. move outwardly, and produce the stretching action. The degree of movement of rest 11 is under the control of the user and therefore can be regulated tothe correct amount. Alternate ral'singand lowering of platform 11 by alternate pressure and releasing of the foot The i produces the alternate releasing and stretching of the toes. In this way, deformed toes such as overlapping toes, as wellas bunions candbe treated and can ultimately be straightene In Fig. 8, the same general mode of use is illustrated as in Fig. 7, but applied only as a bunion Corrector. Thus only the big toe 51 is engaged by a stretcher 13.

In Figs. 9 and 10the use of the arch lifters 37, 38 is illustrated. For this purpose the platform 11 is held in fixed position with respect to the base 22 by the aid of the hooks 48. One-or both feet are placed on the arch lifters. These arch lifters fit under the arches and the feet assume a slightly toed in position. Then pressure is exerted downwardly on these arch lifters, causing each foot to pivot on its outside edge, .and compressing springs 34 under the lifters. This position is illustrated in. Fig. 10. Alternate pressure and release of the foot on the arch lifter will produce the desired exercising movements. Downward pressure, of course, is not prevented bythe stops 41, so that it is possible to compress the springs 34 as much as desired, by exerting the desired pressure by the feet. In these positions the toe stretchers are not in use.

One use of the metatarsal knob 42 is illustrated in Fig. 11. In this position the foot is placed centrally on the rest 11, and hooks 48 can be in engagement or out of engagement with the pins 49. The foot is placed so that the knob 42 engages the foot just back of the main toe joints. Then by pressing downwardly with the foot, the leaf spring 45 is flexed. At the same time the toes can be exercised by downward fiexure thereof over the convex edge 12 of the rest 11. In addition, for stretching the tendons for hammer toe conditions, a rest for the toe can be used to act on the bottom of the toe which will stretch the contracted tendon on the planter surface of the toe. The height of the knob 42, asheretofore stated, can be adjusted on screw 46. With hook 48 in engaging position, leaf spring 45 alone is active to resist the downward pressure of the foot. However, with hooks 48 outof engagement with pins 49, the two compression springs 34 also assist in resisting the pressure of the foot. The knob 42 thus acts to build up the transverse or metatarsal arch, by pressing against the arch as the foot is urged downwardly on rest 11. 4

This exercise is also useful for stretching the tendons of the toe by causing the toes to project downwardly over edge 12.

Tendon stretching and metatarsal arch exercising can be'accomplished in still another Way, such as shown for example in Fig. 12. In this mode of use the heel of the foot can rest on the ground or can be free of the ground. The foot in this instance is the ankle in general is given flexing move-- ments that are beneficial. I

Instead of the form of stretcher illustrated in Fig. 4, other forms can be utilized. For

example, in Fig. 5 the anchor bar 59 can be arranged with a vertically disposed slotted metal member 52. The toe stretcher 54 in this instance has a flexible chain anchoring means 55. The enlarged portions of the chain are arranged to be accommodated on opposite sides of the slot 53 of the bar 52. It is apparent that by lifting up the chain out of any slot 53, the effective length of the chain can be adjusted to conform with the position of the toe to be stretched.

Still another form of the toe stretcher is illustrated in Fig. 6. In this case a looped cloth tape 56 is provided. This tape has a series of apertures 57 for accommodation on any one of the screws 21 on anchor bars 17 and 18. The loop portion is adapted to fit over a toe or finger.

In Fig. 13, still another form of the apparatus is illustrated. In this instance, instead of having two arch lifters such as 37 and 38, a substantially spherical large knob 58 is provided. This large knob accommodates the arches of both feet, which are in this case placed close together on top of the knob 58. Compression springs, as before, are provided to resist the downward pressure of the feet. The knob 58 can also be used in lieu of the metatarsal knob42.

I claim: 7

1. In a device of the character described, a rest for the foot or hand, a toe or finger stretcher mounted on the rest, means connecting the rest and the stretcher, and means whereby pressure on the rest serves to operate the stretcher.

2. In a device of the character described,.

a base, a rest movably supported thereon, one or more anchor bars movably mounted on the rest, one or more toe or finger stretchers mounted on the bars, and a connection be tween the bars and the base for moving the bars as the rest is moved.

4. In a foot corrective device, a base, a rest movably supported thereon, resilient means urging the rest and base apart, a knob, and means for resiliently supporting the knob on the base, said knob extending through the rest.

5. In a. device of the character described, a base, a rest movably supported thereon, resilient means urging the rest and base apart, a knob, means for resiliently supporting the knob on the base, said knob extending through an opening in the rest, and means for optionally holding the rest in fixed position with respect to the base.

(5. In a device of the character described, a base, a rest pivoted thereon, one or more arch lifters, a compression spring between each arch litter and the base, said arch lifter being above'the rest and pivoted thereto, and means for restricting the upward movement of the lifter with respect to the rest.

7. In a device of the character described, a base, a rest pivoted thereon, one or more arch lifters, a compression spring between each arch lifter and thebase, said arch lifter being above the rest and pivoted thereto, means for restricting the upward movement of the lifter with respect to the rest, and means for optionally holding the rest in fixed position with respect to the base.

8. In a device of the character described. a base, a. rest pivoted adjacent an edge of the base, a pair of arch lifters pivoted adjacent an edge to the rest, and arranged in toed-in relation, a compression spring between each arch lifter and the base, and means for limiting upward movement of each arch lifter with respect to the rest.

9. In a device of the character described, a base, a rest pivoted adjacent an edge of the base, a pair of arch lifters pivoted adjacent an edge to the rest, and arranged in toed-in relation, a compression spring between each arch lifter'and the base, means for limiting upward movement of each arch lifter with respect to the rest, and means for optionally holding the rest in fixed position with respect to the base.

10. In a device of the character described, a base, arest pivoted adjacent an edge of the base, a pair of arch lifters pivoted adjacent an edge to the rest, and arranged in toed-in relation, a compression spring between each arch lifter and the base, means for limiting upward movement of each arch lifter with respect to the rest, and a knob resiliently supported on the base and extending above the rest, in a position on a center line between the arch lifters.

11. In a device of the character described, a base, a rest pivoted adjacent an edge of the base, a pair of arch lifters pivoted adjacent an edge to the rest, and arranged in toed-in relation, a compression spring between each arch lifter and the base, means for limiting.

upward movement of each arch lifter .with

respect to the rest, a pair of bars, respective- 1y pivoted adjacent opposite sides of therest, a link connection between the base and each bar to move the bar on its ivot when the rest is moved with respect to the base, and one or more toe or finger stretchers adjustably mounted on the bars.

12. In a device of the character described, a base, a rest pivoted adjacent an edge of the base, a pair of arch lifters pivoted adjacent an edge to the rest, and arranged in toed-in relation, a compression spring between each arch lifter and the base, means for limiting upward movement of each arch lifter with respect to the rest, a pairlof bars, respectively pivoted adjacent apposite sides of the rest, a link connection between the base and each bar to move the bar on its pivot when the rest 1 o is moved with respect to the base, one or more we or finger stretchers adjustably mounted on the bars, and means for optionally holding the rest in fixed position with respect to the base.

13. In a device of the character described, a base, a rest pivoted adjacent an edge of the base, a pair of arch lifters pivoted adjacent an edge to the rest, and arranged in toed-in relation, a compression spring between eacharch lifter and the base, means for limiting upward movement of each arch lifter with respect'to the rest, and a knob resiliently supported on the base and extending above the rest, in a position on a center line between the arch lifters, said knob being placed near the free end-of the rest, and said free end havingaconvex ed e. a

'14. In a device 0 the character described, a base, a rest pivoted adjacent an edgeiof. the base, a pair of arch lifters pivoted adjacent an edge to the rest, and arranged in toed-in relation, a compression spring between each arch lifter and the base, means for limiting upward movement of each arch lifter with respect to the rest, a knob resiliently supported on the base and extending above the rest, in a position on a center line between the archliftersys'aid knob being 'placed near thefree end of the rest, and said free end having aconvex edge, a pair of bars, respectively pivoted adjacent opposite sides of the rest, a link connection between the base and each bar to move the bar on its pivot when the rest is moved with respect to the base, one or more toe or finger stretchers adjustably mountedon the bars, and means for optionally holding the rest in fixed position with respect to the ase.

15. In a foot exerciser, a restupon which the foot can be placed, a toe stretcher'supported for transverse movement with respect to the toes, a mechanical connection between the stretcher and the rest, and means whereby a downward pressure of the foot on therest serves to operate the stretcher.

16. In a foot exerciser, a rest upon which the foot can be placed, an anchor bar movably supported on the rest, a toe stretcher mounted upon the anchor bar, said anchor bar and stretcher having cooperating means for adj usti'ng the efiective length of the stretcher, and means for moving the anchor bar to exert a stretching force.

17. In-a foot exerciser, a rest upon which the foot can be laced, an anchor bar movably supported on t e rest, said bar extending in a direction lengthwise of the foot position, one or more toe stretchers extending between the bar and the foot, means for moving the bar to pull the stretchers, and means associated with the bar and the stretchers -for anchoring the stretchers at an one of a number of positions along the length of the bar.

18. In a device ofthe character described, a rest for the foot'or hand, a toe or finger stretcher mounted on the rest, and means re-" MAURICE J. PULLMAN. 

